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Councillor Collins, who represents St Ann’s Ward for Labour, said the Government had reneged on its promise to "leave no stone unturned".

He said it meant that the council would have to hold back on other spending commitments in order to fund the improvements.

Speaking to the Post, he said: “I’m surprised that with the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State, Sajid Javid being as categorical as they were about how no stone would be left unturned, and then within a matter of a few months they seem to have forgotten those commitments or decided that the theory is great but having to come up with the money is beyond them.

“It’s very disappointing, and I think it’s to the discredit of national politics that they feel they can behave that way without scrutiny. People have a low enough opinion of politicians anyway, so when they make those commitments they need to stick to them, and I would be saying exactly the same if it was a Labour government which did this.

“We said we would do whatever is possible to make our blocks as safe as possible, and we’re seeing that through, even though there’s a big price tag.”

In a letter to the council, Conservative housing minister Alok Sharma says that the measures proposed by the council are "additional rather than essential", and that the Government would only consider helping to fund measures: “Where it is necessary for essential fire safety works, required to make a building safe, as advised by local fire services, to be carried out.”

However a letter on the issue, sent by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to Nottingham City Homes, who are responsible for managing the 13 tower blocks, said: “Sprinklers are the most effective way to ensure that fires are suppressed or even extinguished before the fire service can arrive.

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“They save lives and reduce injuries, protect firefighters who attend incidents and reduce the amount of damage to property and the environment from fire.”

The council’s executive board, which met today (Tuesday, October 24), heard that Nottingham City Homes had begun consulting with residents of the blocks, and that there was a positive reaction to the proposed changes, but that further consultation work was planned.

A Department for Communities and Local Governement spokesman said: “Building owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings are safe for residents and we expect them to fund fire safety measures. But councils should contact DCLG to discuss their position if they have any concerns about funding fire safety works.

“We have not declined any requests for funding for essential works . Ministers have been clear we will consider financial flexibilities for councils who need to undertake essential fire safety work to make a building safe.”